Energy efficient buildings in demand worldwide
Darmstadt/Hanover 12 April 2012 – On 4 April, just one month before the start of the 16th International Passive House Conference, the future EU Directive on energy efficiency was handed over to the Danish President of the EU Council in Brussels, laying the groundwork for the EU Commission’s decision, due this summer, for an obligatory 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020.
Energy standards worldwide are increasingly being aligned with the Passive House Standard
We cannot sustainably keep pace with the world’s continuously growing hunger for energy if we continue along our current path. Especially in the building sector, however, there exists an enormous potential for energy savings where we can reduce energy use by 80 to 90% without any reduction in comfort. Countries around the world are realising this. In China, as of 1 January 2012, energy efficiency standards in the building sector were made 70% more stringent. Only “Net zero energy buildings” will be built in South Korea and California as of 2020 and throughout Europe, all new builds will have to be constructed as “nearly zero energy buildings” by 2020. Europe’s future energy efficiency directive also calls for high annual retrofit rates of public building stock. With the EnerPHit Standard, a derivative of the Passive House Standard especially for retrofits, an enormous potential for energy savings can also be captured in existing buildings through so-called “deep renovation,” or energy retrofits resulting in increases in energy efficiency of at least 75%.
The world’s largest Passive House conference
For all these new efficiency standards, Passive House forms the basis for proven and costeffective building and retrofitting. As such, Passive House presents a key opportunity for designers, decision makers and, indeed, the entire the construction sector – a fact that will be made clear at the Passive House Conference in Hanover. What are the key criteria for sustainable construction? Is energy efficiency even the right approach? How can we assess embodied energy (production energy)? The 16th International Passive House Conference, to be held in Hanover, Germany, on 4 and 5 May 2012, will focus on these and other similar questions. In addition to the comprehensive series of lectures and workshops, the Conference, organised by the Passive House Institute and proklima, will also offer an extensive programme of side events such as introductory courses, a forum for tradespeople and several excursions to Passive House buildings in the Hanover region. At the Passive House Exhibition taking place parallel to the Conference, over a hundred exhibitors will present their products and solutions for Passive House new builds and retrofits.
Extensive framework programme for all
On Wednesday, 3 May, the Passive House Institute, in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences in Hanover and iPHA, will provide a glimpse of the Conference with an introductory "Passive House Basics" course (offered both in German and in English). On Thursday, 3 May, the English-language workshop "Passive House components across the globe" The event will provide a platform for new and established manufacturers of highly energy efficient products to meet potential clients and partners from around the world, present their products, discuss new solutions for various climates and market needs, and lay the groundwork for international cooperation. On Friday, 4 May, a special tradespeople forum featuring short, practice-oriented presentations will provide an introduction to the practical work involved in the construction of highly energy-efficient buildings. Various excursions to Passive House buildings in the region on Sunday, 6 May will round off the framework programme of this year’s International Passive House Conference.
Putting theoretical knowledge into practice
The Conference programme includes 16 Working Groups, each dedicated to one of the most relevant and topical questions in Passive House design. Practical implementation of the Passive House concept will remain a key focus: exemplary projects including residential buildings, indoor tennis courts, hotels and hospitals in different regions of the world will be presented. During the plenary discussion on Friday, 4 May, representatives of various schools of thought will present their standpoint on "The future of energy efficiency" with view to practical feasibility.
Experiencing the Passive House with all the senses – the Passive House Component Exhibition
The leading global Standard for energy-efficient construction will also be at the centre of the free Passive House Component Exhibition. Spread over 3,000 m² of exhibition space, more than one hundred leading suppliers of Passive House components will showcase their solutions and provide visitors with competent advice and informational materials. At the Manufacturers' Forum, a lecture series to be held at the exhibition on Saturday, 4 May and Sunday, 5 May, experts and manufacturers will share their expertise on topics ranging from architecture to certification. Those looking to experience Passive House comfort first hand, will have the chance to win one of several holiday stays in Passive House hotels and holiday or model homes by participating in the Passive House lottery, organized by iPHA and its German Affiliate, the IG Passivhaus Deutschland.
Illustrative information relating to Passive House principles will be showcased in the travelling exhibition created by the Passive House Institute on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the State of Hesse. Amongst other things, this exhibition provides information on solutions for residential and non-residential new builds and refurbishments, costs and the possibility of funding, as well as built examples.
The "Passive House Architecture Award" Exhibition, featuring 24 built Passive House projects with an outstanding architectural quality, will also be shown at the Hannover Congress Centrum.
The International Passive House Conference is the largest convention of Passive House experts worldwide. It addresses both newcomers and experienced Passive House pioneers. Last year’s Conference attracted over 1,200 participants from 45 countries.
16th International Passive House Conference with Passive House Component Exhibition
Conference: Friday, 4 May and Saturday, 5 May 2012
Excursions: Sunday, 6 May 2012
Framework programme: 2 May 2012 – 6 May 2012
Passive House Exhibition:
Friday, 4 May, 9am - 7pm
Saturday 5 May, 9am – 5pm
Venue: Hannover Congress Centrum HCC
(The Exhibition will take place in the Eilenriedehalle of the HCC)
Theodor-Heuss-Platz 1-3
30175 Hanover
Germany
The 16th International Passive House Conference is organised by the Passive House
Institute, iPHA and proKlima
Press contact:
Günter Lang
+43 (0)650-900 20 40
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